Plantar fasciitis sleeve having targeted compression

Abstract

A foot sleeve is taught that has generalized sleeve compression from an elastic foot sleeve but also has targeted additional compression in the arch and above the heel across the Achilles tendon by a polymeric pressure sensitive adhesive tape applied as an X under the foot arch and in a preferred embodiment also across the Achilles tendon, just above the heel.

Claims

1. A foot sleeve for a person having a foot arch and heel, said sleeve having targeted compression, comprising: an elastic compression sleeve adapted to fit around the foot arch and heel of a person, having a front toe opening and a top ankle opening, and a foot arch area; and a polymeric pressure sensitive adhesive tape, applied to the foot sleeve under the foot arch area of the foot sleeve in an X-shape and to the foot sleeve as a band above the Achilles heel, to provide targeted additional compression, said polymeric pressure sensitive adhesive tape having greater compressive properties than said sleeve.

2. The foot sleeve of claim 1 wherein the polymeric pressure sensitive tape is polyurethane tape.

3. The foot sleeve of claim 2 wherein the polymeric pressure sensitive adhesive tape is heat and pressure sensitive tape.

4. The foot sleeve of claim 1 wherein the X-shape is adapted to be applied under the foot arch and has a top, bottom and opposing sides with each of the opposing sides having a connecting polymeric strip of tape extending from the top to the bottom, for even further targeted compression.

5. The foot sleeve of claim 1 wherein the foot sleeve and polymeric pressure sensitive adhesive tape are washable without damage to the polymeric pressure sensitive adhesive tape or its adhesive properties.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a view of a wearer's left foot showing the right side of the compression sock of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 2 is a left side view of the left foot showing the left side of the compression sock.

(3) FIG. 3 is a perspective rear view showing the heel and bottom area of the sock.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(4) FIGS. 1-3 show the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The foot sleeve 10 having targeted compression 10 is comprised of a half stocking 12 having an open top 14 and an open forward end 15. The sleeve 10 is made of a stretchable material so as to fit snuggly around the posterior, lateral, medial and plantar aspects of the heel 16 of the foot 18. The foot sleeve 10 of targeted compression is made of any one of many stretchable elastic compression materials well known and available in the art. When worn the foot sleeve 10 applies a general overall uniform pressure to the entire foot it surrounds. As earlier explained such sleeves as just described are well known and have been routinely available for long periods of time. What is missing from such sleeves is the concept of targeted compression, that is targeting their compressive affect not to the entire foot area but in a different manner to the area where treatment is most needed for plantar fasciitis, i.e., in the arch of the foot and above the heel.

(5) The targeted compression of the present invention is accomplished by applying a polymeric pressure sensitive adhesive tape 20 as an X 22 under the foot arch and also as a band above the Achilles heels 24.

(6) High temperature polyurethane pressure sensitive adhesive tapes are known, see for example U.S. Pat. No. 3,756,848, patented Sep. 4, 1973, which is incorporated herein by reference. The polyurethane pressure sensitive adhesive tape applied as an X under the arch and as a band at the top of the heel disrupts the natural stretch of the elastic sleeve and promotes greater pull and compression in the targeted compression regions. Ultimately the X lifts the arch and distributes the pressure evenly across the foot. The X 22 stretch design mimics taping methods typically recommended by professionals and the band 24 of like tape across the heel disrupts the heel pain that typically accompanies plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

(7) As earlier expressed the tape may be that available through a variety of commercial sources. However the critical thing is that the tape must have greater compressive force than the material from which the foot sleeve is made. For example one suitable foot sleeve material is lycra and the tape in that instance must have a greater compressive force, i.e., strength of stretchability than the foot sleeve itself. The tape can be transparent and/or colored polyurethane tapes with or without the support of polyamide and can come in a variety of colors to match or contrast with the sleeve. Suitable tapes can be those sold under the trademark Oeko-tex by Framis, spa. Tape when applied with heated pressure sticks to the sleeve and attaches to it, lasting as long as the sleeve itself. Moreover it is washable without damage to the tape or its adhesive properties.

(8) Certain constructional features are worthy of mention. The X configuration with the sides of the X connected as depicted in FIG. 3 provides for further compressive affect to duplicate the affect of taping. Specifically the X stretch with the X opposing sides filled in i.e., and the Achilles tendon band of the same tape material distribute greater pressure in the areas of the foot specifically needed to treat plantar fasciitis. The preferred material for the sock itself is material that is 58% nylon, 26% bamboo charcoal polyester, and 16% lycra. Bamboo charcoal polyester is a natural plant fiber and has benefits of antibacterial, deodorizing, and quick to dry. In addition different tapes of different compressive forces may be used to selectively treat mild, moderate, or severe cases of plantar fasciitis, in other words strength of the compressiveness can be matched to the severity of the case.

(9) It can be seen that the invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.